I’m a huge fan of Palo Santo wood for clearing space and crystals. I was introduced to it by a friend from Argentina years ago. Palo Santo wood comes from trees indigenous to South America and has been used by their Shaman for rituals, purification and to cure diseases. I do my best to source the wood from reputable sellers who assure me it’s gathered in a sustainable way, which is that is it collected only from fallen branches. Traditionally these were left to rest for years before being collected which would allow the oils to fully develop before use. That said, since I’m not the one collecting the wood, I don’t have any guarantees that’s it’s actually being done this way. What I can’t help but notice is that the market is flooded with Palo Santo sticks and that worries me.
This relates to the recent articles and posts about the endangerment of White Sage used traditionally by Native Americans and now appropriated by the rest of us, to the extent that it has become endangered. Personally I don’t care for the smell of burning sage so it’s safe from me but the issues of appropriation and endangerment weren’t lost on me.
While taking an Earth Medicine School course with Pixie Lighthorse recently, the subject of using White Sage came up. I have to admit, I instantly thought about Palo Santo as that is my go to for purification. I almost just as instantly felt guilt. For one it is not native to me. My roots are in North America and farther back, Europe. What did my Celtic ancestors use? I honestly have no idea, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Palo Santo or White Sage, and I’ll have to do some serious digging to find out. That’s my next project.
In the meantime I’ve decided to continue offering my Crystal Sets with the stick of Palo Santo until my supply runs out. Then no more. Personally I will spend some time finding a plant ally that speaks to me and my heritage and then if at all possible grow them myself. (I’ve already planted some Rowan seeds and am eagerly awaiting their sprouts.) It’s possible I will offer my sets with seeds, or with suggestions for finding your own plant ally… more on that to come.
The take away for me is that ritual is personal, historical and should not be appropriated. We can learn and listen to the ways of others, and gain a lot from that but one size does not fit all.